Archive for the ‘Tennis’ tag

Problem is, nods of assent look suspiciously like the onset of an afternoon nap.

So, what’s the best way to keep people’s attention during a capabilities presentation? That was the question MKTG Atlanta set out to answer.

Being in the show-don’t-tell marketing channel, the answer was easy.

On June 21st, the MKTG Atlanta office held its first Experiential Showcase for clients, brands, and related agencies in an authentically MKTG way; by letting them experience them firsthand. They created an awesome environment full of food, drinks, music and a sampling of the innovations that they’ve recently developed that have toured the country over the last year. With an escape room, unique top tennis challenge, arcade games, AR experiences, MKTG merch and plenty of monitors and TV walls featuring MKTG content, guests left with a deeper appreciation of what MKTG can bring to the party.

Take a look at the video above or HERE and the gallery below to get a peek into the action! Thanks to everyone that came out. We hope you had as much fun as we did!

I have been laying in bed each night these past two weeks in January, staring bleary-eyed at the television, and trying to stay awake for just one more change over. Although, I did get the treat of Novak Djokovic taking his fourth round match with Stanislas Wawrinka into a five-set war that lasted until the next morning when I got to watch the end.

I realize the Australian Open is tough for us Americans to watch, matches that go on in the middle of the night, Johnny Mac is nowhere to be seen, and who even gets the Tennis Channel anyway?

As a life-long fan of tennis, I do try and make the effort to watch as much of the Grand Slam events as I can (live). Time zone and sleep pattern permitting, of course.

This year I am taking more of a notice on the shifting fashions, and where the players are pledging their endorsement allegiance. In the sport of tennis, it always seems to be the same list of usual suspects: Nike (who can forget Agassi circa 1990?), Adidas, Sergio Tacchini, K-Swiss, etc.

Finally, there is something else afoot when it comes to apparel for our leading men. I would like to take a minute and recognize the recent partnership (as of mid-2012) of Djokovic and the Japanese fashion retailer, UNIQLO.

You may have noticed since Roland Garros 2012, Djokovic has been sporting the big red-squared logo on his tennis kit. The design of the shirt, shorts and warm-ups were laid out to pay homage to the Serbian flag (zdravo!). A spokesperson from UNIQLO explained how Djokovic arrived at this junction in brand building: “We believe that tennis is a sport where the individual’s performance is combined with a personal sense of style and fashion, both on and off the court.”*

Although, this partnership is not about creating a whole new tennis or sports line, the distribution of Djokovic’s clothing line will be limited to only a handful of stores, and it only consists of 10 different pieces. This relationship has a larger cause at hand.

In a program called “Clothes for Smiles,” UNIQLO and UNICEF will be making the dreams of children come true in China, Philippines, Serbia, and Bangladesh with more countries to follow in 2013. Each country or region will be treated differently based on needs, which is why the phrasing of ‘Dreams’ was used. Mr. Djokovic being the perfect Global Brand Ambassador as he speaks 4 languages, and his home country of Serbia will benefit from this program.

It seems like a perfect match for me, UNIQLO’s HEATTECH tights kept my legs toasty last winter, and I plan on keeping this fun brand within my retail travels. Hats off to UNIQLO for translating the ‘Made for All’ brand messaging into my world of tennis. And please, Novak, keep the ‘Djokes’ coming, we love your on-court antics.